Fish Hatchery Technician – Kendall Creek Hatchery – Non-Permanent – *04598-25

Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician – Kendall Creek Hatchery
Job Status– Full-Time – Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 9 months – July 28, 2025 – April 28, 2026
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Deming, Washington – Whatcom County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in fisheries management.

Envision yourself at Kendall Creek Hatchery, collaborating with dedicated hatchery staff to support fish culture operations and assist in maintaining hatchery equipment and facilities.
 

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Hatchery Technician will, 

Perform Fish Culture: 

• Adult fish handling.
• Fish feeding.
• Pond cleaning.
• Collecting, sorting and spawning of adult and juvenile salmon.
• Vacuuming and pressure washing the ponds for cleaning
• Egg and fish sampling and picking – includes weighing and counting salmon eggs and removing deformities and egg mortalities.

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment:

• Cleaning adult handling area, vehicles and hatchery buildings and bathrooms.
• Weed eating, raking, weeding hatchery grounds.
• Small equipment repair and maintenance.

Public Contact and Communications:

• Responds to questions from visitors to the facility.
• Conducts organized tours.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Majority of work will occur outside in all weather conditions such as rain, snow, sun, dark, cold or hot.
• Repetitively lift at least 50lbs.
• Use of a respirator and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with various chemicals used at facility.
• Egg and fish sampling/picking duties will include long periods of standing, careful attention to detail and protocols in often cold temperatures.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week or 10 days on 4 days off.

Travel Requirements: Operate state vehicles to travel on hatchery grounds and between hatcheries to assist with peak workloads.Tools 

 Equipment: Power and hand tools, lawn care equipment, egg picking machines, passenger vehicles, coded wire tag (CWT) identification equipment, trash pumps, pressure washers, diesel generators, small gas engine, computers, and software.

Customer Interactions: Public interaction may include responding to questions from visitors to the facility and conducting organized tours.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

High School graduation or GED.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned duties will be dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

At least one (1) year of paid or volunteer hatchery experience.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

 Union –  WAFHP:

These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP).

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-04598.

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